Foundation raises $2 million for Mesquite Library Construction

June 8, 2018

The Mesquite Library Campus held its grand opening on Thursday, May 31, 2018 with thousands of residents in attendance. The Library Campus has two buildings that will support the next generation of free public library services and partnerships in the community.

Construction on the new building started April 2017. Racing against escalating construction costs in the region, the project got a final boost of financing to accomplish community-driven enhancements with the help of the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District Foundation. With the Library District Foundation as intermediary, the Library District was able to attract $2 million in additional construction dollars by participating in the federal New Markets Tax Credits program, which invests in projects that yield new jobs and community benefits.

The new Mesquite Library building is 13,313 square-feet, and is located on a 1.6-acre parcel at 160 W. First North St. Customers will find expanded collections, new technology, and makerspaces for children and teens, plus ample room for everyone to read and enjoy project-based learning experiences. There is also a spacious Community Room for performances, celebrations, and meetings, plus a Café, the very first in the entire Library District.

The new Learning Center is located just across the street from the new library building at 121 W. First North Street. This 5,464 square-foot building served as the former library and houses a public Computer Lab with expanded space for increased access, classrooms, and a One-Stop Career Center providing employment and education services for adults -- run by Workforce Connections.

The Mesquite Library Campus will serve as a catalyst for community activity. From club rooms to children’s inside and outside play areas, to dedicated teen spaces where local residents can meet friends and engage in interactive learning – there is plenty of room for everyone to pursue their interests. The new library building was designed in response to the community’s desire to have a flexible place to host a wide variety of community gatherings, and the grand opening event will showcase this with music and dance performances, puppet shows, crafts, face painting, and balloon artists.